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Year 5 · Maths · Adding and subtracting large numbers · Lesson 3

Multi-step problems and checking

Multi-step addition and subtraction word problems, estimating by rounding, missing number problems, and checking answers with the inverse.

Whiteboard video lesson: Multi-step problems and checking

25-minute video lesson

Teaching, worked examples and 20 practice questions solved step by step.

Watch free for a month

What your child will learn

  • Solve two-step problems
  • Estimate by rounding
  • Find missing numbers
  • Check with the inverse

The method

  1. Read.
  2. Estimate.
  3. Steps.
  4. Check.

Key words: multi-step, estimate, inverse, round, missing number.

Worked examples

The first three practice questions from the lesson, with every step.

Question 1

Ali has 2,450 points. He wins 1,325 more, then loses 860. How many points now?

  1. Step 1: Step 1: 2,450 + 1,325 = 3,775
  2. Step 2: Step 2: 3,775 − 860 = 2,915

Answer: 2,915

Question 2

A library has 12,600 books. It buys 1,875 and gives away 940. How many books now?

  1. Step 1: Step 1: 12,600 + 1,875 = 14,475
  2. Step 2: Step 2: 14,475 − 940 = 13,535

Answer: 13,535

Question 3

A car's mileage was 34,215. It drove 1,860 miles in May and 2,475 in June. What is the mileage now?

  1. Step 1: Step 1: 34,215 + 1,860 = 36,075
  2. Step 2: Step 2: 36,075 + 2,475 = 38,550

Answer: 38,550